Advances in Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture: Towards Resilient, Productive, and Ecologically Sound Food Systems

In recent years, the livestock sector has faced the dual challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while meeting the increasing demand for animal-derived products driven by global population growth, rising incomes, and urbanisation. In this context, climate-adaptive livestock production systems are gaining importance. Such systems emphasise the diversification of feed resources and the adoption of sustainable practices, including rotational grazing, the use of plant-based leaf meals, the incorporation of drought-tolerant fodder species, and the integration of trees through silvopastoral approaches to enhance resilience against climatic variability. Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach) is a highly resilient and fast-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with considerable potential in climate-adaptive agriculture. It thrives under high-temperature and waterlogged conditions, making it particularly valuable for sustaining feed and food production under changing climatic scenarios. As a livestock feed resource, Ipomoea aquatica has been shown to improve dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient utilisation in ruminants, particularly in animals fed low-quality, tannin-rich forages. This is largely attributed to its high protein content and palatability, which enhance rumen fermentation efficiency. Furthermore, Ipomoea aquatica contains appreciable levels of fibre, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and essential amino acids, with a nutritional profile comparable to conventional feed resources such as soybean. The integration of such alternative feed resources into livestock systems can strengthen crop–livestock linkages, thereby improving farm-level economic viability and sustainability. Consequently, the utilisation of Ipomoea aquatica as a feed supplement supports climate-adaptive livestock production by reducing dependence on conventional feedstuffs, lowering production costs, and contributing to a reduction in GHG emissions from livestock systems.